Bloomberg

The Excel plug-in for Bloomberg allows you to query Bloomberg's underlying data for custom analysis. Use the DAPI command in Bloomberg to access the support documentation, including video tutorials. 

To use the spreadsheet builder:

1. Open Excel and login with your Western ID and password. 
2. Select the Bloomberg tab and choose the Spreadsheet Builder.
3. Use your mouse to hover over the data type icons to display a description of what's available.
4. Click on the icon for the data type you want to use.
5. Follow the instructions as they appear in the builder.

Data downloaded through the Bloomberg terminals is subject to monthly download limits. The limits are associated with each terminal and not your personal account. The limit cannot be reset. Be careful when downloading to avoid reaching the limit, especially during busy times of year. 

How do I tell if a terminal has reached its data limit?

There is no direct way to view how much of the data has been used at a terminal. When a terminal has reached its limit, you will receive an error message in Excel or no results. 

When does the data limit reset?

The monthly data limit resets at midnight on the last day of the month. The limit is controlled by Bloomberg. Library staff cannot reset the limit and Bloomberg will not reset the limit. 

This terminal is maxed out and I still need to do my Bloomberg assignment. What should I do?

The only solution is to move to another terminal whose data limit has not yet been reached. If you have an assignment due, but all the terminals have reached their limit, please email the Business Library.